HC Deb 09 March 1964 vol 691 cc6-7
10. Miss Quennell

asked the Minister of Labour what percentages of school-leavers are employed in the retail trade in urban areas and rural areas, respectively.

Mr. Whitelaw

Of the school-leavers under 18 years of age entering first employment in Great Britain in 1963, 14 per cent. of the boys and 28 per cent. of the girls went into the retail trades. I regret that separate figures for urban and rural areas are not available.

Miss Quennell

While thanking my hon. Friend for that information, may I ask whether he is aware that if, as a result of legislation which may currently pass through this House, the numbers of retail outlets are reduced, certainly for girls, their chance of employment will be greatly reduced? What steps is my hon. Friend taking or has he in mind to meet this situation?

Mr. Whitelaw

I think my hon. Friend will appreciate that the services sector of our economy, like that of other developed nations, is important and is growing.